‘Visiting Mr. Green’ is a Hidden Gem in Poway

SAN DIEGO — I’m going to let you in on a little secret because some secrets are meant to be shared. There is a “little theatre that could” sequestered on the second floor of a small shopping center in the heart of Poway. Above Culley’s Restaurant and a few steps from Bellus Academy is some of the finest theatre in North County. This ambitious little theatre boasts a full season of six shows and the most affordable pricing anywhere east of the Mississippi…well, maybe not, but where else can you see gifted actors perform for $26 a ticket, and be guaranteed a seat in the first six rows?

“Visiting Mr. Green” is the fifth show I’ve been delighted by at PowPac Theatre, and the caliber of acting is superb. I was moved to tears a number of times while watching this poignant and sweet relationship unfold. Ross Gardiner (Jared Keil) has been sentenced to community service after nearly hitting the elderly Mr. Green (D. Kevin McGuinness) as he wandered out into traffic. Mr. Green, a recent widower living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan has become somewhat of a recluse after the death of his wife, Yetta. He is an observant Jewish man and does not welcome Gardiner’s intrusion into his world, certain that the young man will defile his kosher kitchen with “treyf” food.

The play explores the complex issues of family, inclusion, fitting in, and being judged, most, especially by those who are supposed to love us…no matter what. It is about the need to be seen, respected, and allowed to grow into who we are in our deepest heart of hearts. As Ross Gardiner and Mr.Green develop a friendship and a rapport the audience is welcomed into their friendly banter and learns about each man through his stories of his past. We get a glimpse into Mr. Green’s immigrant experience in a rooming house where he met his late wife. We feel Ross’s embarrassment at his parents’ lavish overpriced restaurant meals, and how he has had to bury his true identity because he doesn’t fulfill his parents’ vision of him. Yet, most of all, the audience observes how these two men of different generations and experiences can learn from each other and cultivate a mutual love and respect.

The acting is phenomenal, and one would never guess that Jared Keil has been on an acting hiatus. Like so many in his profession, covid forced him to find other passions, but he is back on stage and on television in commercials and a Netflix series. He fully embodies this character and his anguish is tangible and authentic, as he grapples with his truth.

Kevin McGuinness does a masterful job portraying an older Jewish man, leading a somewhat hermit-like existence. This reviewer was quite impressed that his speech, replete with Yiddishisms, was not schticky, but sounded authentic and much as I remembered my grandfather, who was of similar age and lived in New York. Kudos to Director Brent Stringfield.

The play was originally written in 1998 by Jeff Baron and was originally produced by Arthur Mittelman, staged in New York, Miami, and the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Due to its timeless and topical exploration of identity and family expectations, it has won many awards and has been produced in over 50 countries and in 24 languages. During its year-long run at Union Square Theatre in New York, Eli Wallach played the lead role.

In addition to the exciting upcoming season, PowPac will present three performances of Delia and Nora Ephron’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.” If you’ve never seen this show you’ve been cheating yourself. At tickets just $15 each, you can make that right. The lineup for ‘23-’24 is as follows: “Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie, “Passing Conversations” by Brent Stringfield, “Inspecting Carol” by Daniel Sullivan, “It’s Only a Play,” by Terrence McNally, “Ordinary People, “ by Nancy Pahl Gilsenan, adapted from Judith Guest’s novel, and “The Butler Did it,” by Walter and Peter Marks.

I hope you will treat yourself to this hidden gem and share this secret with all of your theatre-loving friends. Ross and Mr. Green will welcome you into Mr. Green’s apartment, but please, unless you’re bringing food from Fine and Shapiro, leave it with the doorman.